An estimated 80,000 Hong Kongers marched today in honour of eight people killed in a bus hijacking in Manila, attacking the Philippine government for botching the rescue operation and demanding justice for the dead.

Former police officer Rolando Mendoza commandeered a Philippine tourist bus last week, hoping to reverse his recent dismissal from the force, on what he said were bogus robbery and extortion charges. In the ensuing 12-hour standoff, which was broadcast live on television, several children and elderly hostages were released, but eight tourists were killed, and a police sniper shot and killed Mendoza.

The bloody ending stunned Hong Kongers, who blasted Manila police for what they called an amateurish rescue attempt.

"Everyone saw how the Philippine government mishandled the situation before TV cameras and the chaos in the country. As a Chinese person, I need to demand justice," 49-year-old worker Andy Wong said at Sunday's protest.

Manila's police chief has taken leave and four leaders of the assault team were relieved pending an investigation. Officials have said the firearms used by 200 police commandos will be tested to see if any of the hostages were hit by police gunfire.

Philippine presidential spokesman Herminio Coloma said that his country respects the right of Hong Kongers to express their sentiments. He promised to announce the results of a "comprehensive, fair and accurate" investigation in three weeks.

Local Philippine activists organised an interfaith service in memory of the victims earlier on Sunday, where they lit eight candles – one for each victim.

"We ask the Hong Kong people who are watching not to blame us for what happened because we also did not want this kind of thing to happen," migrant worker Elma Oliva said.

Survivor Lee Ying-chuen, who along with her mother escaped with light injuries, said in an article in Ming Pao Daily News the tourists thought about subduing Mendoza, but never acted because he seemed friendly and promised to release his hostages.

"If we didn't wait for the police rescue operation and acted decisively, there might have been a different outcome. But the horrible thing is there are no 'ifs' in history," Lee wrote.